The IOC as a transnational organization: Paradigm shift and its rising role in global governance

Abstract

The changes in the aftermath of the Cold War deeply affected the functioning of international organizations, and increased their leverage in international affairs. This article chiefly argues that the paradigm shift in the policies of the International Olympic Committee mitigated the prospect of damage to the Olympic movement and paved the way for the International Olympic Committee to figure in international affairs more effectively. In the article, it is concluded that the Olympic Games have become a significant soft power instrument for states’ foreign policy, rather than being an arena of boycotts or chauvinism, owing to the changing nature of international relations; however, it is more difficult for some states to benefit from this resource of soft power because of domestic issues.